|
 |
|
|
|||
|
 |
|
 Jun. 3, 2026 Source: University of Illinois news release
Roady brings more than two decades of experience spanning agricultural communications, Extension, journalism, nonprofit leadership, and corporate communications. In her new role, she will help establish the long-term vision for the Evans Center, which was created to strengthen collaboration, professional engagement, and public dialogue surrounding agriculture and food systems. A graduate of the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, Roady most recently served as a corporate communications partner for Carle Health. She previously spent more than a decade with the Illinois Soybean Association, where she led communications and outreach efforts focused on consumer and farmer engagement, sustainability, market development, and public understanding of agriculture. "Amy's career reflects the kind of leadership, relationship-building, and strategic communication that the Evans Center was created to advance," said ACES Associate Dean for Academic Programs Anna Ball, who also leads the ALEC program. "She understands the important role communication plays in connecting research, industry, producers, and the public." Roady has served as a University of Illinois Extension educator and has taught agricultural communications coursework at Illinois. Her professional experience also includes international engagement through the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and agricultural trade missions in multiple countries. "As a proud Illinois graduate, it is deeply meaningful to return to the institution that helped shape my career," Roady said. "The Evans Center creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration across agriculture while helping foster thoughtful conversations around food systems, science, and society." Named in honor of Professor Emeritus James F. Evans, the Evans Center builds on Illinois' longstanding leadership in agricultural communications and serves as a hub for experiential learning, industry collaboration, and professional engagement. Roady will begin her role as inaugural director on June 16, 2026. About ACES The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands at the forefront of innovation and impact through cutting-edge research, transformative education, and collaborative outreach. Home to Illinois Extension, including 4-H, we are catalysts for economic and community development in Illinois and beyond. Our top-ranked academic programs, designed to foster global leadership and scholarly excellence, empower the next generation of leaders to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. Together, we champion robust food systems, nurture thriving families and communities, and steward a healthy planet. Tweet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
